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Career Development Center
110 Netzer Administration Building
(607) 436-2534
career@oneonta.edu

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:00pm

Graduate/Professional School

Graduate or professional school is not for everyone. It represents a significant investment in time, energy and resources, with no guarantee that the outcome will meet your expectations. In addition, most graduate education represents a significant departure from the traditional learning/teaching methods to which most students are accustomed.

If you have a clear sense of what career you want to pursue and an advanced degree is required for entry (i.e. Law, Medicine, College Teaching), then graduate school is for you. Or, if you want to immerse yourself in the study of a particular academic discipline purely for the love of it, then advanced study may prove to be satisfying and valuable.

However, if you are unsure of your goals, fearful of job hunting or following someone else's goal for your life, then talk with an objective counselor or advisor before taking this step.

To view a PowerPoint presenataion on graduate school click here.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Information sought within you:

Examine your interests, abilities, and especially your values.
 

  • Do you have the necessary interest and ability to pursue graduate school?
     
  • Think about how much value you place on others' advice.
     
  • Why do you want to go to graduate school?

    • Examine your career goals and objectives.

  • Are your goals realistic?
     
  • Is graduate school necessary to accomplish your goals?


    Information sought from outside you:
     
  • Is graduate school necessary for the career field that interests you?
     
  • Have you investigated career opportunities available to you at every educational level?
     
  • What are the job prospects in the career field you are interested in at each degree level?


    Information about your goals:
     
  • What outcome do you expect if you get more education?
  • What will you gain and what will you give up if you attend graduate school?

    Contingency Plans:
     
  • What if you are not accepted into a graduate program?
For more information about the above or any of the programs and services offered through the Career Development Center, contact the Center in 110 Netzer, phone: (607) 436-2534, e-mail: career@oneonta.edu.
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